Van Halen

Released: March 23, 1979

Songwriter: Michael Anthony (Bassist) Eddie Van Halen David Lee Roth Alex Van Halen

Producer: Ted Templeman

Yeah, we're all fast breakers comin' out of the gates
Takin' chances, we're the crash and burn
Yeah, there is a way with beauty, but you never gave a love
Across the line where none return

I watch my television, almost lost my mind
It said, "Open your eyes. Leave it all behind."

I heard the wind a whisperin', strong magic comin' on
They comin' on for sure
Come see your children; yeah, they're lighting up the skies
Won't recognize them anymore, haha

Wolves at my door, wised up quick
Turned here and gone from on the go
Seems the old folks who come up short
Were the pretty little kids who didn't want it, no

I had to pay admission when I came tonight
And it said, "Open my eyes. Leave it all behind."

I heard the wind a whisperin', strong magic comin' on
It's comin' on for sure
Come see your children; yeah, they're lighting up the skies
You won't recognize them anymore

Ooh, mama, see the firelight
Ooh, we're comin' out tonight
Ooh, mama, see the firelight
Ooh, lighting up the sky, light 'em up

Light up the sky
Light up the sky
Light up the sky
Light up the sky
Light 'em up

Van Halen is one of the most iconic American rock bands of all time. Formed in Pasadena, California in 1972, the group’s primary line-up consisted of Eddie Van Halen on guitar, Alex Van Halen on drums, David Lee Roth providing lead vocals, and Michael Anthony providing bass duties and significant harmonies.

Their first six albums, recorded and released between 1977–1984, are considered to be classics and pioneering efforts in the field of hard rock. Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar sound and techniques completely changed the landscape of music and radio culture in the 1980s. His and brother Alex’s virtuosity, along with David Lee Roth’s charisma and bassist Michael Anthony’s foundational contributions garnered the band early comparisons to their predecessors—Led Zeppelin—a group who had a profound influence on them. Though, even more so than Jimmy Page, Eddie cites Eric Clapton as having the biggest impact on his playing.

In 1977, after recording a demo with Gene Simmons (who wanted the band to change their name to “Daddy Longlegs”) they were introduced to KISS‘ management, who told Simmons they wouldn’t sign them

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